Without Regard to Race

This biography reclaims the complex legacy of Martin Robison Delany, a pioneering 19th-century figure whose advocacy for Black liberation predated more famous leaders like Marcus Garvey and W. E. B. Du Bois. The book examines Delany's remarkable achievements—from becoming the first Black combat major in the Union Army to his work as a pan-Africanist and crusader for racial equality—while challenging the narrow view of him as merely a militant black nationalist. It presents a nuanced portrait that moves beyond simplistic labels to explore the full scope of his ideology and activism.

Adeleke's research directly confronts the historical mischaracterization of Delany as a racial essentialist, offering a fresh interpretation that reveals his more inclusive vision for freedom and equality. Readers interested in the roots of Black political thought and the often-overlooked architects of liberation movements will find this reassessment both enlightening and essential. This work not only restores Delany's proper place in history but also invites a deeper understanding of the diverse strategies employed in the long fight for civil rights.